Side Launch Brewing Company

Chateau Ste. Michelle

Columbia Valley Riesling 2017

Sweeter side but not overly sweet — a month ago

Apothic

Dark Side California Pinot Noir

Nice and smooth… not to heavy. Good drinking as well as with a pasta dish! — 8 months ago

Scribe

West Side Atlas Peak Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

This bottle has been open in cooler for 48 hours… tastes better 48 hours ago — 3 years ago

B Side

North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon

Extremely pleasant wine. Smooth tanins, mild boysenberry notes. — 5 years ago

Caymus Vineyards

Special Selection Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Caymus Vineyards – Special Selection Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Napa Valley, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Special Selection is Caymus’ flagship bottling, the only wine to twice earn Wine Spectator’s “Wine of the Year.” The 2013 vintage comes from a benchmark Napa year—warm, consistent, and producing deeply concentrated fruit. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from prime valley-floor sites, this wine showcases the Caymus hallmark: bold, plush, and fruit-driven Napa opulence.

Aromas & Flavors
Opulent blackberries, cassis, and baked blueberries, wrapped in layers of cocoa, espresso, and toasted vanilla. Secondary notes of licorice, sweet tobacco, and graphite add depth. With time in the glass, hints of cedar and leather start to show, signaling the early stages of graceful evolution.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and richly textured, almost velvet-like, with powerful yet polished tannins. The 2013 vintage delivers intensity and weight, but with balance—long, lingering finish loaded with ripe dark fruit and spice.

Winemaking Notes
Meticulous cluster selection, long maceration for depth, and extended aging in new French oak barrels (18+ months). Chuck Wagner’s hallmark style: unapologetically ripe fruit, creamy oak integration, and a seamless, approachable structure even in youth.

Food Pairing
A natural match for grilled ribeye, braised short ribs, or herb-crusted lamb. For a more indulgent pairing, try it with aged Gouda or truffle-infused dishes.

Verdict
A monumental vintage of Caymus Special Selection—ripe, hedonistic, and still showing youthful vigor more than a decade later. Built for aging, yet already a crowd-pleaser. A benchmark expression of Napa Cabernet’s luxurious side.

Personal Pick Highlight
2013 stands out as one of Napa’s greatest modern vintages, and tasting it now is like catching Caymus in its prime sweet spot: power meeting polish. Cheers!
— 8 months ago

Ted liked this

Hopes End Wine

Run Away To The Dark Side To A Place Called Port Misery Shiraz Blend 2015

Wow, jam, dark stone fruit. Deep purple rim. A pleasure to drink as I grill — 6 years ago

Dr. Loosen

Dr. L Mosel Riesling 2021

Best Riesling ever! Mellow with soft fragrance reminiscent of the Mosel Valley! On the sweeter side, but perfect for our Dal & Parathas! — 2 years ago

"Odedi" liked this

Domaine François Raveneau

Butteaux Chablis 1er Cru Chardonnay 2000

Tasted blind. Light gold color. Has a nose that immediately takes me to Chablis. Notes of honey, citrus, wet river stone, ocean breeze, tan spice and white chalky soil. Perfectly balanced in the mouth with lots of fruit and acidity. Screams Raveneau. I guess 2000 Raveneau Valmur. Had this side by side with the 2000 Fevre Clos… the 2000 Raveneau Butteaux had 4 hours of air in the decanter, the 2000 Fevre Clos only 30 min… it clearly showed (1) why you age Chablis and (2) why you give them hours of air to open before consumption. The Raveneau was outstanding and the Fevre didn’t have time to show its expression. — 5 years ago

romo, Josh and 25 others liked this